Bedford: Group Attack Lithuanian Man Thinking He Was Polish

Police in Bedford are trying to trace a group of four men and a woman after a 20 year-old man was badly beaten up - in what's believed to be a racially motivated assault.

The incident took place between 2.30 and 3.30am as the victim and a friend were walking across a footbridge which connects Sandhurst Road and Elstow Road.

The friends were approached by a group of four white males and a white female who started shouting abuse at the pair believing they were Polish. The two men tried to pass the group but as they did so one of the offenders punched the victim in the face while another offender struck him to the back of the head causing him to fall to the floor. The group then began kicking the victim on the ground before fleeing on bikes towards Sandhurst Road.

The victim was taken to Bedford Hospital and received treatment to his injuries which included a fracture to his wrist, cuts to the top of his head and on his right eyebrow as well as grazing to the right side of his face, a lost tooth and cuts to his hands.

Detective Constable Mia Hewitt, who is investigating the incident, is keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the attack or may know the offenders who were all white and wearing dark clothing. The four males were all in their early 20s with one wearing a gold chain, while the female offender was in her late teens.

DC Hewitt said: "This was a vicious and sustained attack on a young man who had been enjoying a night out with friends. Given the nature of the abuse that was shouted at him, this is being treated as a racially motivated attack and I would urge anyone with information to contact us immediately."

If you have information relating to this incident, contact DC Hewitt, in confidence, on 01234 275333, the non-emergency 101 number, or text information to 07786 200011.